2007 A Year in Review

Well this would mark my first successful year of blogging. Since I started posting on Blogger I have had now 100 posts including this one. I suppose if there was ever a year for the record books this one would be it. Not that I thought it would be the case going into the year but here we are another year older and hopefully that much more wiser.

I can say that this was the first year that I actually stuck to my New Year's Resolutions, at least for as long as I can remember. What were they? Well to save you the trouble of digging through the archives they I'll display them again since I think they really are going to go forward into this year:

1. Have more fun!

2. Get in better shape (not pear shape)

3. Reconnect with old friends.

4. Explore new friendships.

5. Just be a good person.

This year also brought some of the biggest challenges to this list, but so far (knock on wood) I have turned out OK. Some would say better for it. I have learned a lot this year, and experienced the gamut of emotions that it entails. I have played the part of Sinner and Saint, I've spent more time searching my sole than the channels on the TV. I forged a new sense of self out of shards of a broken heart. I learned that unconditional love is a concept beyond some, and that sacrificing one's own self in the name of love can do more harm than good. I learned that its not having emotions that can be an issue its how you act on them, the actions of one person can have a multitude of effects not foreseen.

I've met new friends and have possibly gained a few enemies along the road. I have had some great trips and late parties. I have played the hero, and have been played the fool. I have received rewards for my years of work, and have lost more than I ever thought I gained. Its definitely been a year and while some might suggest it would be one to forget, I would say it is one to remember for all time. It was one of those defining times in my life. Who knew? I always knew I dreaded 30 for some reason, but while last year I went into it with trepidation this year I go into it with hope and cautious optimism.

I have no idea what next year will bring me; however, I am determined to not let it get the better of me. It can't possibly be as turbulent as this year, but I may find myself eating those words next year. We will just have to see.

I believe that you can't force things, they have to come in time. There is a natural flow to this universe and there is such a thing as Karma. I tend to believe that I am a just person so I know that one day those that wronged me will find there own lives effected. Conversely I know that I need to lead myself in a good way otherwise it will come back to me as well. So first on the list is 1) To be a Good Person.

I had made great strides last year in getting into better shape. I am now involved in 3 weight loss competitions for this year. I plan on being a major threat in all of them. This year will be the most fit I have been in awhile. So next on the list is 2) Lose weight and become fit.

I've made some good friends this year and I'm looking forward to developing those relationships. I know alot of people too so hopefully I will have quite the social life this year. I do love all my friends otherwise I would not be spending my time with them. So next is 3) Value the friends I have and be open for new relationships.

Whether you call it the river of life, or just plane old opportunity knocking its true that we are all in it. Change is the only constant, some change is good its called evolution, you learn from it. Change can also be bad, but you need to also learn from it so as not to repeat the pattern. So next on the list 4) I believe that I am here for a reason, what that is I can not say, but I know that as long as I leave myself open to life I will find all the opportunities I could ever want.

Lastly somewhere in there with making friends and leaving myself open to exploring life's little mysteries I hope to find someone who wants to share in the adventure. I have found that you can't force it and it evolves naturally. So where I won't say that I will be stocking the next Mr. Right. I will say: 5) Infatuation is fast, Passion can be a flash in the pan, but Love is worth sticking around for. Its every bit more elusive, but I am hoping to find it one day.

I think the idea of past live is intriguing and while I am not really committed to the idea I do sometimes think that maybe if such a thing were true I was an explorer in my former life. I've been described as an old sole and that I seem to just know things. Well I don't know if that's true but what I do know is that this life is an adventure and as with the best of them they have their treasures and their sorrows. Personally I am enjoying the ride and look forward to tomorrow.

Finally I wish you all Peace in this New Year and much thanks in your readership. I look forward to talking to you all in the days to come, and for those of you who have not said hi feel free to do so.

Good Night!

Back in the Saddle Again

OK so the thing about Thanksgiving is that you have a weekend to recover after it. When Christmas falls on a weekday you don't get much rest after it. So I found myself heading into work this morning. Trust me I am already working on this for next year. I guess its a sign that I am getting older, I know I have another birthday next month. They won't be so bad now until I turn 40. Remember a birthday is natures way of getting more cake in your diet.

Speaking of diet I am coordinating this year's office Biggest Loser competition. Its what spring boarded my weight loss last year and since I really haven't done much to continue to lose since fall I need to get back on that. I have to look good come swimsuit season this year. So this year in addition to the weight loss I will be attempting to convert some of this weight into muscle. All in all I am in good shape again and hoping that I can take on the competitions again. We have a lot more men participating this year so there will be a bigger challenged. Not that the ladies are not perfectly capable of keeping up its just the old belief that men lose it faster then women. I guess we'll see what happens. I for one know one remarkable woman who has lost a boat load of weight as she works her ass of quite literally in her own BL competition. Jessica you got all my love and support behind you. I hope you win. I know I kind of petered out toward the end of the year but I'm jumping back on the bandwagon again.

Wow the new year is almost here and this is my 99th post. The next will be my big 100 post year end extravaganza LOL. It won't be tomorrow but I can promise it will be by the first. Talk you all later.

And so ends Christmas 2007

I'll keep it brief since frankly I need the rest. I just wanted to say Merry Christmas and soon a Happy New Year. I know I did not get to see everyone before the holiday and I hope to see you all soon; I have gifts for some special onces too. Its going to be a long week at work eventhough it will only be 3 days. I have decided that I am putting in for next Christmas off already, frankly all this running around sucks. Granted I have less places to visit on the holidays recently but I am hoping that will not always be the case.

I figured the greatest gift I could give myself this year is piece/peace of mind. When I figure out how to get such a thing I'll tell you cause frankly these past few days have been a roller coaster of emotion. I'm hoping to sweep away the rest of my woes next week with the start of the new year. I know it won't be that easy but I can try. Which leads me to letting you know I am planning a big post for the end of the year. I'll say goodbye (and good riddance) to 2007 and be celebrating my 100th post here on blogger. Stay tuned...

Do You Hear What I Hear . . .

I know a lot of you liked my post from a couple of weeks ago concerning the Christmas songs that just weren't quite right. Well in what looks like to be a big cosmic foot in the mouth event it turns out that Dan Fogelberg has passed away. He died at the age of 54 from complications with his battle with cancer. It is sad really. However I believe his song came up as number 2 on my list of songs to avoid. Before it was kept to a certain few stations now they all play the song in his memory I heard it twice today in the 6 minutes it took me to drive to the hardware store I seriously contemplated sticking the drill bit in my eye as it came on the store's music system.

Sorry I've just been in a mood today. Not sure why exactly nothing has happened really. Just know Christmas is coming and while I have been looking forward to it and have actually filled out cards this year I can't help but still feel a bit out of sorts. Yes I know its because I'm single now, and this is quite a major holiday to go by without thinking about Christmases Past. Well when I look back there was definitely something there that I don't have now and it makes me sad. Its like your favorite sweater the day after it rips. It really won't work, you can't really fix it and you can't find another one just like it. You just have to find another one and hope it doesn't tare like the last one. Well I'm missing that sweater tonight.

The 2007 Garrett Awards

Its that time of year when all the lists come out so I "borrowed" this list and made it my own by adding some. What do you want for 11 PM?

1) DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR?
Would go to Jeff Marcy!

2) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD (longest friend)
Mat (aka my roommate, eventhough we haven't lived together in 7 years)

3) NEWCOMER AWARD - COOLEST NEWEST FRIEND?
Chuti and Glen

3) HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR?
I can't pinpoint the exact highpoint, but each day seems to better than the previous.

4) POINT OF THE YEAR YOU REGRET?
I have none, it would imply I did something wrong.

5) BEST HOLIDAY?
I'm going to say Christmas or maybe New Years, I know they have not happened yet but I have high hopes.

6) YOUR SONG FOR 2007?
Over You - by Daughtry

7) MOVIE FOR 2007?
Transformers

8) TV SHOW FOR 2007?
Heroes

9) CELEBRITY OF 2007?
Oprah

10) WORST/HARDEST DAY OF 2007?
June 14th 2007

11) BEST RELATIONSHIP?
Me and Melanie

12) COSTUME OF THE YEAR?
I don't recall wearing any this year although watch out next Halloween.

13) RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR?
Fresh City! (those of you who know me, know why!)

15) BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR?
Moving to the City

16) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR?
Find myself a good man!

17) STUPIDEST IDEA?
Walk-toberfest (inside joke)

18)who is the craziest friend of the year?
Allison (I love you!)

19) MOST LOYAL FRIEND?
I'm proud to say they all are!

20) BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR?
Being Single

21) BIGGEST BITCH/ASSHOLE AWARD?
HMMM! No Comment, they know who they are!

22) NEW YEAR RESOLUTION?
To Grow and learn and continue to have fun while doing it.

23) THE PERSON WHO INSPIRED YOU THE MOST?
That would be Jessica!

24) THE PERSON WHO SUPPORTED YOU THE MOST?
Toss up Elizabeth and Nora

25) THE MOST ELUSIVE FRIEND
Dave Bruce! Maybe we can catch a drink in '08

26) BEST TRIP
I would have to say Chicago

27) WORST TRIP
My commute last Thursday was pretty bad.

28) BEST PURCHASE/INVESTMENT
My E-Book

29) MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT
Falling flat on the ground last Thursday in front of my co-workers

30) BEST PARTY
Newton Party September 29th/2007 Ghost Tour it was Tie

Confesssions of an Introvert

So while in Chicago I attended my conference about Leading with Emotional Intelligence. I got alot out of it. I'll impart some knowledge here and there at times in my blog, but the important thing that I realized is that yes I am introverted. That doesn't mean though that I can't be a good leader. For years I thought I was just shy and had problems with social situations but over the past few months I have come to realize that this just isn't so. I like group situations and need to be social but I need to have time to myself as well. Its just how I recharge sometimes. I need to be with my own thoughts sometimes, and as it turns out there is a whole train of thought around Extroversion and Introversion. How the brain actually operates differently. Do you know that a persons IQ is set by the time they are 7. You see IQ is not the measure of how smart you are, its the measure of your capacity to learn. With years of training and study you can expect to increase your IQ by only a point or two. Your personality is the same way. Imagine that 7 years old and its set. If that isn't motivation for early childhood development I don't know what is.

So the class teaches you about your own Emotional Intelligence and how to deal with others. Because lets face it most people walking around today are Emotional time bombs, and if those people are going to work for your company you are going to want to know how to work with them. One of the keys is knowing yourself and to better understand that I took the Myers-Briggs test and sure enough it was pretty damn accurate. Essentially it determines your personality types. My score of INFJ plants me as having the temperament of an idealist specifically as a Counselor. What does that mean? Follow the link for Counselor. You want to find out what type you? This seems to be a good online test to take. Its kind of interesting to find these things out about yourself and see how you place. I was surprised to find that only about 2% of the people who took the test got my results.

OK enough for now. I'll chat with you later.

I left my Voice in Chicago

So it has come to pass that I have returned from Chicago. Would it be an excursion of mine if I did not manage to get myself sick somehow. Its probably because I pushed myself to get through the week before. OH well at least this sickness is not a flu or even a cold. It just happens to have been my throat. I can't tell you the last time I had Laryngitis. I haven't been able to speak right since last Sunday. The trip to Chicago was good even though I was sick I was able to get a lot out of the trip. I was able to meet up with an old friend and meet someone who will one day become one. Remarkably despite my poor health they were able to have a good time while visiting. Of course who can resist a hot tub and steam room. Really the steam room at the hotel was the only thing that got me through the week since the air was so dry every where else.

I did get a chance to visit Giordano's and sample an authentic Chicago pie. Although my appetite was not the best so most of my meal ended up with the valet at the hotel. I know what its like to work at a hotel having done it for a few years so I know its appreciated. Well the front desk staff at my hotel was a bit snobby so it was there loss. Besides I think the valet guys appreciated it more.

Tomorrow I will write more on what I learned.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past

NO I am not about to recant a tale of Dickensian woe. I am merely stating what it is that I shall be doing tomorrow. You may have remembered me talking about a ghost tour last month. Well unfortunately those plans never did come to fruition. The first attempt had to be rescheduled do to conflicting schedules. The second time around it needed to be aborted because there was a hurricane (well not really, there was just alot of wind and rain). Tomorrow is the third attempt and while it is suppose to be quite chilly it will be pleasantly sunny. We should have a good in not cold time tomorrow. I am looking forward to it. Of course the cold seems to be the precursor to what is shaping up to be the first significant snowfall of the season on Sunday. I however; get to miss it. Hopefully the snow keeps on its course and allows me to take off Sunday morning for Chicago. I don't look forward to being delayed at an airport again going to Chicago. Last time was enough. Either way. My camera is fully charged so I will be snapping photos.

So this leads me to what I want to talk about next. I'm going to ask for a little bit of participation here and hopefully we can have a little fun. Since every radio station this side of the temple is playing Christmas music I figure I want to know a little bit more about people. Every year these station play the Christmas songs that have been classified as "classics". They don't have to be old they just are adopted in the mix and get repeated year after year. For example Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" is a classic through and through, but George Michael's "Last Christmas" and Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas" are rather new but have been adopted as a new classics and are played year after year.

Recently we have been seeing more from Clay Aiken and Josh Groben which are sure to be classics. We have also seen some others by the latest Brit-Jessi-Christina wannabees that will be forgotten faster that you can say Happy New Year, and rightly so. However, there are a select few that beyond all sense of logic become classics and we are cursed to hear them year after year, some are so bad they make you want to change the channel. Below are my top 5 holiday songs that I absolutely despise and should be banished from the airwaves.

5. Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord - Boney M. What you don't know this one? Yes you do. It was released in '78. I was all of one yet this turd has continued to show up at more Christmases than Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo. Maybe its the steel drums, or maybe its the fact that you would expect to here it come spewing forth from a fish bowling VW bus. Oh my lord indeed, crack a window. Reggae and Christmas just don't mix. Believe it or not there was an entire album of this, maybe we should consider ourselves lucky(?) that we aren't exposed to more refer madness. Final review: Mildly annoying, you may want to go get a refill on the eggnog while its on.

4. Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys. Maybe its the same argument as the Calypso Calamity above but Beach and Christmas don't mix. Snow and sand go together like gays and football. Sure it happens every now and then but it leads to funny looks and causes people to shake their heads. In this case I'm thinking did they need the money. I just don't see the appeal of this song and once again it was part of a larger Christmas Album. This one was released in '64 so its one of the oldest on my list, but definitely not the wisest. If the Beach Boys were the three wise men it wouldn't have been Frankincense and myrrh that was being smoked. Which would also explain this release. My final Word: this song is like the kids at the store in front of you. You know the real whiny ones that have mom and dad wrapped around their little finger, and you just know if they don't get there way the explode. You know the kind you just want to slap.

3. Dominic the Donkey - Lou Monte Chiggity Ching!!! I don't know why people think animals are all that cute in songs. That aside even if I did want to introduce a new Christmas critter to replace Rudolph it sure wouldn't be a donkey!!! and whats with that other song about a hippopotamus, why can't we have Charlie the Christmas Chipmunk or the ever more useful Patty the Prancing Puma she'd at least get the toys there faster. I digress, so we are stuck with an ass for this song. Does anyone else notice that this song couldn't be any more stereotypically guido if it were played at a Soprano's convention. If I were Italian I would be insulted, and infinitely more popular. My Final word: released in 1960 its aged as well as the fruitcake you get every year. You take a bite to be polite, but then shove it to the back of the refrigerator until next year.

2. Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogleberg I'm sorry I know he's a great guy and is a great environmental spokes person but this song bites. No I mean it makes you want to bite the end of a rifle. Released in '81 I suspect that it may have been no coincidence that the incidents of suicide around the holidays went up that year. Maybe my own personal biasis are coming into play with this one this year, but what makes this a Christmas song? Yes he mentions Christmas Eve but it could have happened at any point in the year. I wouldn't classify lamenting on old lovers as being cheery, nor is it one of those Global Awareness songs (you know the ones where its a catchy tune, and 50 celebrities singing about ending war and poverty through the world). So why do we bring this one out every year. Is it to finally send that pathetic lonely friend of yours onto the tracks so you have one last gift to get? Someone please tell me. My Final Thought: It sucks you in just like those old relatives you only see once a year and then haunts you for days. Best if you just ignore the song and change the channel unless your a masochist.

This is it the last one. How bad is it? Oh it gets pretty bad. Guaranteed to make Santa toss his cookies and hang up the boots. Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you the worst Christmas tune of all time.


1. CHRISTMAS SHOES - NEWSONG This song makes me want destroy property, punch babies, and dismember small animals. I know I am in the shoe biz but even I can't stomach the song. My distaste for it is so strong that the opening chord is all I need to hear and the radio gets violently turned off. Also not a happy song, its premise is a poor child needs money to buy shoes for his dying mother so she can look pretty for Jesus? What kind of value is vanity? Anyways this song is to music as Beaches is to movies. Its sole purpose is to make you cry. For something I hate so much I am amazed how much know about it. It was originally an internet legend back in '96. It's too bad that Snopes couldn't have gotten to it before that crazy Christian group Newsong got it. Now we have the song, book and even a movie. I swear those Christians will believe anything these days and then want to saturate the airwaves with it. ( ooh that was really caddy of me) I know I am in good company declaring this song as the most depressing of all time. My Final Thought: Just say no: to drugs, expired eggnog, pulling your uncle's finger, last minute shopping at Cumby's, Strawberry Soda, and this "SONG". In fact do what I do and learn and memorize the first chord and flip the channel. The baby Jesus dancing to that sultry steal drum is much more preferable to this dreck.

Alright thats it. Thats my list. Maybe you agree with me. Maybe I just slammed your favorite song. Maybe you should get your head checked then. Just kidding. Its been fun and I have had an axe to grind for these songs for a long time. Let me know if you agree, or if I just ruined Christmas for you. Maybe you have Holiday Turd of your own you need to flush out.

Acquiris quodcumque rapis

I must apologize. Its been awhile. Writer's block could be faulted in some accounts, but mostly I have not posted because I have not been able to think straight lately. I dare say that I am looking on things with a bit more clarity these days. For awhile I have been feeling distant and cut off from things, as if all I had to do was go through the motions and things would be ok. Such is not the case. I guess you could say its my ongoing commitment to better myself that I am trying to change my perspective on things. The past few days have been very odd for me. There have been some good times and some painful ones as well. The important thing to note is that I feel connected again. As if I am truly in this world and not just watching it go by. I can not describe to you what it is that I'm feeling other than to say that I am not only feeling connected; I think everything IS connected.

Each day brings a new lesson and while it may be odd; the result is that it is somehow connected to something else. Its almost like things flow together like water and everything happens for a reason. While things may not be better right now I can see how it could be and will be. Which for me is very refreshing. Don't get me wrong I still have plenty of healing that needs to happen and one never really should stop learning. For the risk of sounding a bit nuts I feel as if I am transcending some kind of boundary. (At this point I feel as I should tell you that I am not any illicit drugs, only a decongestant) Just beyond the border is some kind of goal. I don't know what it is but I know its there and I know that I will get it one day. I can be patient, I mean I have dealt with so much this year, so much change so much pressure I just know that there is some kind of greater lesson or understanding that I am coming too. I know I have had to endure all of this for a reason. Something is coming, I know not what but I will be prepared.

Any advice I can give would sound contrived and Zen like. But you need to think of yourself as Bamboo. You can stand tall and proud against the common ups and downs of the day, but you also need to be giving to the strong winds of change. Here endith the lesson grasshopper. Just be prepared for tomorrow or to reap what you sow.

Well aside from all of the above. I have had some time to revamp this page and my Myspace Page. It took me a little while I will be putting the other links back up on my blog soon. Just need some rest and frankly wanted to type this first. I also had time to completely do up the myspace for the holidays. Stop by some time. I have this funky Christmas Tree code that allows you to leave presents for people. Namely me. Go ahead borrow the code spread the word so we can give each other gifts this year, Its fun and its free. Hell here is the link to the Free Christmas Tree. I have also put on some nice music. The Red block autostarts and is for some rather updated holiday music. The Green block contains all the classics. I add more everyday so come back often or drop me a line and I'll add your favorite if I can find it.

I'm getting revved up for my trip to Chicago next week. It should be a good time. It is a work trip and the title of the Seminar is Leading with Emotional Intelligence. I find the subject fascinating and I know I will get alot out of the class. At the same time I will be there and visit a couple of friends. One old and one new so I am sure I will be having fun when I am not in class. Plus I'll be able to browse the Famous Magnificent Mile during the holiday season. I will have my camera with me since I have new batteries. Which reminds me, to let you know to be on the lookout for pics from Thanksgiving tomorrow. Ok I think this rounds out my post for today. Take care everyone and I'll see you all tomorrow.

Its like getting into a cold pool ...

Thats what today was like. After a week of not being at work I was looking at my first day of work with a little trepidation. Whether you jump right in or torture yourself inch by inch I'm finally back in. Fortunately for me the pool was not as cold as I thought. I have alot of work ahead of me but nothing overwhelming at the moment. Which is good, I can at least rest a little bit and get some stuff out of the way.

Now I have my eyes on Thanksgiving. Its going to different this year, I won't be splitting the day between two families and traveling around the state. It also looks like I have been drafted to help make Thanksgiving dinner. Not that I mind it. It will actually be good to cook something that will be appreciated. I did get the word though that there will be no Chutney this year!!!

Huh?! Yeah every year my grandmother who's diet consists of cream of wheat, toast, and bananas (and the occasional Blue Moon) makes a chutney. What the hell. Mind you its not like I have ever seen her eat the stuff. Now I like a lot of foods and so does my dad, but the chutney is blah. But its there every year, and it doesn't get touched. Finally this year I think my Mom broke down and said, don't make it. Lord knows why she made it in the first place. But thats what the holidays are for.

I picked up my glasses today. I'll post some pics later once I unpack a little more.

All good things ...

The one thing that I thought I may do more of was blog during my vacation. Apparently that was not the case. It was not for lack of substance as more than enough has happened to me in a week. I must say that I did get a chance to relax this week. So I will be refreshed when I go back to work. This will be help out alot as we now head into the end of the year crunch. I should be thinking of work for this week but I can't bring myself to think of things just yet. I suppose that will be what Monday morning is for.

I must admit I was liking living out in Charlton, not that I am planning on moving anytime soon, but I know this city life is not for me, and my time is numbered there. I'll make the best of it while I can but I need to be away from it. All in all I had fun this vacation for not going anywhere. Next time I will but here's hoping someone will be able to go with me too.

As much fun as this has been though I have to go back to work no matter how much I don't want to. I have been able to appreciate each day of my vacation since I knew it would be ending. I wish it was a lesson that could have been learned earlier. Not that I go about being unappreciative but there are some things you just think will last forever. They become so much a part of you that you can't imagine your life without it, but then when the inevitable happens you are caught that much more off guard. In the long run though you'll be fine and probably better off but if there was ever a case to prove entropy it would be life.

Dealing with what life gives you is what makes you who you are. When all to often life throws you a curve ball you have two options. Deal with it or run away. I have chosen the far more difficult one, I'll admit even to this day I feel the urge to just run away, but I am fighting it everyday to better myself. By doing that I am forcing myself to recognize the good that comes out of each day; so that nothing is taken for granted.

Vacations

Well as most of you know I am on vacation this week. I'm spending it out here in Charlton Mass. LOL Why? I'm house sitting for my parents who are suppose to be cruising around the Caribbean. Before I start about what I want to talk about I need to get this off my chest first. JETBLUE SUCKS. I will be posting a seperate link officially voicing the complaint but lets just say for now that their vacation was ruined. They are on their way back now. Apparently the plain on the way down had engine toruble forcing an emergency landing in Bermuda. Jet Blue was unable to get them a flight that would get them to their ship in time for the cruise. Jet Blue's only way of making amends was a free round trip ticket. But my parents miss out on their vacation and all the money that it included. I will suggest that you not use Jet Blue in the future as they seem to not want to help there customers.

Happy Halloween or Samhain

It all depends on what type of Pagan you are.

Since I have no kids, don't get any kids, and am not trick or treating myself, I had decided to go out tonight. I can't think of anything much more fitting than going to see Sweeney Todd. Normally I simply ignore the stream of junk e-mail that comes in to me, but I got one e-mail from ticketmaster about the special deal and decided to take them up on the offer. I have several friends who also wanted to take part so it will be a nice night out.

So yeah the blog had been kind of slow lately since I never know what to talk about anymore. I don't think anyone wants me to lament about my love life anymore, and I know sports is out of the question (eventhough I really did not consider it), what do I have left? How about my health. Yeah thats been bothering me lately. Not that I am going to keel over next week or anything but nothing is more distressing than going for a physical (as I did a couple of Fridays ago) thinking that everything will be ok and then finding out differently. Now I know that I have basically turned myself around and have become healthier all around so it would figure that I start to fall apart at the same time. Basically a couple of tests came back a little wonky about my kidneys. I am far from needing dialysis but it did warrant more testing. Which is why today I found myself getting an Ultrasound.

As ultrasounds go this one was disappointing. I am sure the sonographer is well trained and qualified in her field, and I know that she really is not suppose to be telling me anything specific but she did not have to be so frigid. It was not my idea to be laid out on a gurney, jellied up and proded all morning. (snicker away Elizabeth and Melanie). Could you have least had a bed side manner? Would it have killed you to be a little nicer. Anyways I guess I won't find out anything until my Dr. reviews the findings. Hopefully this was just all a false alarm. Anyways more tomorrow I promise.

5 Days and Counting

Wow its another Sunday already so I figure I should write something down. Its not like I haven't wanted to its just finding the time sometimes. First off I will start by saying that I have heard the comments and the e-mails and I will not talk about sports ever on my blog. I thought I could incorporate a little but that doesn't seem to be very popular so the last thing I will say is "Go Sox".

Ok so what are the 5 days for? My vacation. Not that I'm going anywhere special I just get to get a break from everything. Which is going to be most welcome at this point. I may still travel around on day trips to places but I most likely won't decide that until the day of. I'll enjoy the time away from work. You know what they say whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Well I'm thinking I should be a bit mightier in the near future.

A Funny Sunday

Well its a damn good thing I got those shots on Friday. I don't know why but the combination of Flu shot and Tetanus shot threw off my system. So much so that I could not do much of what I wanted this weekend. Oh well it did allow me to rest. I never did get to that Vegetarian Festival (sorry Nikki and Mario) maybe next year. I did get a chance to e-mail several peop;le I had been meaning to talk to.

I watched a couple of games: Game 6 of the Alcs series. Pretty much after the 3rd inning I knew we had it. We had 10 runs and the Indians went through two pitchers. The Patriots performed equally as well against Miami. Their streak of 30+ points a game continues again. I'll take the wins bet there was almost no contest. We'll see how tonight's game goes. I'm not expecting any JD Drew Grand Slams but maybe Dice-K can prove his worth. Ok I know this isn't a sports blog I'll stop now.

So right now I am sitting outside what I call the Gay Man's McDonald's. Yes I am at Panera Bread. The one in Marlboro to be specific. I am waiting for Seth to arrive so we can get dinner. Unfortunately it seems the Indian Restaurant that we intended on going is closed. I don't know why and perhaps I don't want to know. I guess we'll find some place else to go. It's a nice night though and cooling off rather fast. It was rather warm today. I was out exploring Memorial Forest Reservation in Marlboro. Why? Because It was a nice little walk and since I have started up my Letterboxing hobby again. It was fun and I worked up an appetite. Tomorrow brings work but I rather not think about that yet.

What What WHHAATTT!!!!

Thanks to my friend in Vermont for pointing out this little tidbit. Apparently Dumbledore from the much beloved Harry Potter series was gay. Definetly puts a an interesting twist on everything. Not that the story changes any but at least it gives you more insight to the character. I am sure this is going to cause some backlash but to be honest the crazy Christians already deplore the series so this will be just one more thing. I applaud JK Rowling she's provided a role model of a character that isn't know for being gay, he just happens to be a gay. The more exposure people get to this kind of thing the better.

So I went to the Dr's Friday and received my flu shot. I have never in my life reacted to it, but sure enough last night as I was thinking about heading out to the movies I started to get a fever. By 2AM I was shivering. Crap! I took some Tylenol and headed back to bed only to be woken at 4Am needing to get some water. At this point I was sweating I was so hot, so much so that I actually had to turn my AC on. Fortunately I had not removed it yet. After getting comfortable again I fell back asleep and woke up at about noon. There went half the day. I had so much hope for last night and today, but oh well.

What was I planning on doing? Well my friends Nikki and Mario were going to meet up with me at the Boston Vegetarian Food Festival. I may still make it there we'll see. There is also an open art studio event going on that I was considering going to as well in Fort Point. One of my coworkers uncle's has a display there.

What else is going on. I know a large Yard Sale is going on in Newton at my work. People have been donating a lot of goods to it and the time is finally here so this Weekend get yourself over to 156 Oak St. Did I mention we also have discounted shoes?

Since I just got rather tech savvy and started to see were people where coming from to get to my blog I should mention that its also time for the UnderBear party at the Alley 10 PM to close. Hows that for knowing your audience.

Do you drive stick?

You know whats worse then dealing with a shitty situation you created? Dealing with one someone else did.

Well my friend would be disappointed if I did not mention her today in my blog. Her husband was trying to decide what kind of car to get, but he didn't want to get "the gay car" so whats the solution to that. She asks me, I'm not quite sure why she was so embarrassed about asking that question considering the ones thats she's whipped out before that one was utterly G rated. Well I offered up my advice saying that I did not think the car he was looking at was "a gay car" and told him what he should steer clear of because you know once you get "the gay car" there will be someone who will want to stick his tongue down your throat just because of your car. We should all be so lucky.

Anyways this led to an interesting 5 seconds of surfing the web. I figured with blogs and all someone must have a list of the top gay cars and sure enough there is. Of course my future auto purchase (Honda Element) did not make the list. It made it on last years list. LOL Surprisingly the Dodge Charger made the list this year, now I guess I don't have to feel guilty about liking it.

Well E I hope you're happy you provided the only topic for my blog tonight.

Mini-Vacation is Over

Well my mini-vaction is over and I would declare it a success. I had a lot of fun, but tomorrow brings work again, and I have to admit my high has already worn off. Now mind you I am not sad about going back to work. Its just I feel like I am missing something. I feel as if there is still a piece of me thats not complete. I suppose its just going to have to take more time. I was just watching the first season of Heroes today since I got it on DVD. There was one particular episode that took place six months ago. A lot had changed in those six months and then it got me to thinking about where I was six months ago. I remember just having bought IKEA furniture to fit in my new apartment. How quickly things can change. One can make the argument that things are better now and I am on a new path but I can't help but feel nostalgic for things. Something has changed within me, something is not the same, I am on my own path now. I just wish I knew for certain it was for the better. I am hoping that this mood has to do with not sleeping all that well. Which is a situation that I hope will be rectified soon.

Well I am off to get some sleep, wish me luck.
G

A Wicked Good Time

Well last night had crappy weather but even that could not dampen the evening. I had a nice dinner at Legal Seafoods and dessert at Finale. Then it was off to the Opera House to see Wicked.

I was accompanied by Mom who wants you to know that she is cool and I am not a loser for going out with her.

The show was great and the more I think about it the more I liked it. Definitely some pertinent themes throughout it. It was clever how they weaved in different characters of the original movie. I won't spoil the story for those that have not seen it. Needless to say there was more going on before and behind the original story of the Wizard of Oz.

What the evening did do was reignite my desire to go to the theater. Something that I have only done off and one during the past few years. There are a bunch of shows coming up that I am thinking about seeing, so if anyone wants to get together let me know. Some that pique my interest are Spamalot, Avenue Q, Mamma Mia, Sweeney Todd, the Devil's Teacup, and a half dozen more.

More Later.

OK so I lied.

I was suppose to be healthy today. Its been postponed until tomorrow. I had a few people at work visiting from out LC in PA. So we took them to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. It was fun and filling as I sit here and finish my Chocolate Coconut Cream Cheesecake I am pledging tomorrow will be different. I swear. Would I lie? Whoops I guess I would. I mean starting now. Really! You'll see.

I can't totally explain this other craving that is taking over me either. I suddenly have this urge to venture on down to Mohegan Sun again. Anyone interested? Normally that bug does not hit me all that often. Anyways I should curb that since I would like to make it down to the cape later on in the month.

Alright enough random thoughts for the evening.

So what have I been up to.

Well there was Customer Service Week last week. It was the first time I have actually planned it as opposed to being a participant. It was stressful but I think everyone had a good time. I helped plan and develop the week but alot of the credit needs to go to my co-managers Katie and Elizabeth. I had a lot of training and development for new employees that needed to be finished. The good news is my department is almost full staffed again. It didn't help that last week I was fighting off a cold and in some ways I still feel as if I am still.

Last Thursday was the day that I would hear back from the Biggest Loser if I were to be selected. Since I received no call then I am officially out of the running. Honestly I am not suprised. I know I don't have as much weight to loose as they are looking for. (Never thought I would say that) So now I will continue this little journey by myself. I know other people who have tried out are just going to weight until next year. Or come up for a clever reason to not lose the pounds. I am determined to do this though. I like how I am starting to look and how I am starting to feel. Not to sound vein or anything but I bought some new clothes and I dare say I look positively smashing in them. I had my nice new suit on at the wedding with my new Pink (yes PINK) shirt and Pink Tie. I impressed myself so much I did not care to much about what others thought. LOL But I did pick up quite a few compliments. So tonight I had my last sinful meal. I had splurged on a steak and cheese with fries. Real bad, I know, I suppose its a good sign though that I was not able to finish it. Tomorrow all healthy again and I will be starting to work out more often not just jogging/power walking.

Also got to cut down on the booze. I think I have had something to drink every night since Thursday. Thursday was the CS Dinner so I had a couple of Mai Tai's, but after wards were a few drinks at a local place for a couple of pints of Guinness. It was cool though I got to chat with a friend I haven't seen in a while. Granted we work together but we are in entirely different departments now. Its odd how these things happen. Anyways as it turns out he lives right down the road from me so I am hoping to get together with him again soon.

Friday was the last day of CS week and I was a bit frazzled by the end of it, but I still knew I was heading to a party that night so it made it bearable. My friend Nikki's Bachelorette Party was interesting to say the least. It didn't quite go the way we expected but what does. No there was no stripper. We did have fun though and I met several new friends. Jill, Susie, Sarah and Meagan. If your reading this we should get together some time. Your all cool people in my book. We ended up going to dinner at Zuzu right next to the middle east in Cambridge. It was too late to get to our original destination of the Elephant Walk. We all had fun just the same. It got a little loud later on but we started to head out by then. The drinks and company were nice but no one would have benefited from getting trashed that night so we called it quits before things got out of hand.

Saturday brought the main event. Nikki and Mario's wedding. It was a nice all be it Catholic ceremony in St. Patrick's Church in Watertown. I am heartily familiar with the Catholic Church but many of my friends were a little odd with it. The ceremony was small and sweet and I shed plenty of tears when I saw her. She was beautiful. To say anything more would take away from the site I saw and do no justice to how she looked. The reception was held at the Hotel@MIT. Which is a rather nice swanky place in Cambridge. I was impressed with everything, from the jazzy outdoor cocktails, to the TIE fighter groom's cake, to the Vegan Dinner, and the Music. I found myself dancing more than most people their. Oh well. Seth was gracious enough to accompany me so we were both able to make a nice night of it. Also got a chance to meet up with an old acquaintance who I have been getting to know more in the past few months. Greg and his man Gary were up for the event and it was nice to see him. I hope to maybe get to see him in November when I travel down to NYC. Greg if your reading this, had I known you were going to The Alley after I would have joined you guys but we just weren't up for more dancing. There's always next time though.

So that was a late night. Sunday Seth and I met up with his friend Brendan at King Richard's Faire. It was fun, usually I go once a year but this year I got to meet a couple of people who actually work behind the scenes. I learned a little about the hierarchy that exists. LOL We all went out for drinks and dinner later it was a great time, plus we were able to see the Red Sox win and unfortunately the LA Angels of Anaheim lose. That name doesn't exactly run off the tongue what was so bad with the California Angels? So it was a busy weekend for a busy week. So much so that all I wanted to do this morning upon getting up was just lay in bed and listen to the rain. Alas that old work ethic kicked in though. I will get a break at the end of the week though. I am going out Thursday to see Wicked. It should prove to be fun. In the meantime I am trying to work in Dinner with some friends and maybe see the new Elizabeth movie when it comes out Friday. I will have the day off so I think I can find the time.

Well that is all for this evening I want to get some rest after all so I'll talk to you all later.

What a week.

More to come later since its late. But so far this week I survived work and Customer Service Week and all it entailed. A bachelorette party, wedding and finally Renaissance Faire.

BLLECCCHHH

Thats how I feel at the moment. I have spent the better part of the day in bed. I am not sure how I got this cold. Maybe from a co-worker, or it could have been pay back for taxing my system the other night at the party. Lets hope that it doesn't last to long. Its customer service week after all. It started in my throat and today I've had a fever.

At least I had a good time Friday and Saturday. Friday I was invited to this huge party in Newton. It was more fun that I was anticipating. Granted I didn't know most people there at first but I quickly mingled and met some people. I even got to meet some people that I had only talked to online. It was packed but it was fun and I may have partaken in too much of the keg. No mixed drinks for me that night. I think it was Sam Adams so I had no problem sticking to the beer. I guess these guys do this once a year and it shows since it was well planned. It was also cool that people were genuinely interested in getting to know me. It was a new feeling for me, and I didn't feel as if I was following in someones shadow. It allowed me to come out of my shell a little and to get out of the funk I have been feeling lately. At least for a little while. Although today's mood is based mostly on my current state of health.

It at least left me a chance to catch up with some of my writing. I have a general idea of what I want to do now and have put down a general outline. So I will definitely have some things to work on over the winter. Alright enough for now. I need to get some rest and get to bed early. Talk to you all later.

No I'm not the Phantom

But I did attend the Phantom Gourmet food festival today. It was fun I got to hand out mints and when they were gone I was passing out Purple Phantom Beads. Its was fun despite the fact that the dyed beads were coming off in my hands and my arm looked purple at the end of it. Quite a number of characters came in, worked and attended the event. I know wearing purple was encouraged but alas my wardrobe is deficient in that particular color spectrum. However the people in attendance did not have that problem. I saw feathers, ties, shirts, orchid necklaces, and one guy in particular went as far as to show me his purple boxers. Now the beads are free but that gentlemen earned a handful LOL. Anyways after all the mints and beads were gone we were able to enjoy the festivities. My roomate and I actually were able to get in on alot of the booths and even a bar on Lansdowne.

First Yummies was wet up right next to us at the entrance. They were giving away free Candy Necklaces and Purple Vanilla Salt Water Taffy. As a bonus I was able to meet up with an old college friend on mine that I hadn't seen in years. Turns out his fiance's family owns Yummies and as it turns out he also lives in Brighton. Who Knew!

Next was the slightly disappointing Emma's Pub & Pizza. This guys has commercials like used car salesmen. His prices are cheap and now I know why. His offering to the festival were his teriyaki like meatballs. The only thing original may have been the sauce since the Meatballs screamed store bought and not homemade. Oh well didn't expect much didn't get much.

Next up was individual bags of Dale and Thomas Popcorn, which was excellent as always in Movie theater butter flavor. I really did not even take time to savor I was so hungry. You can get their popcorn all over now but I first saw it in Whole Foods.

We skipped over Not Your Average Joes (Chicken Satay) and b.good (baked French Fries) lines were to long and like I said we were starved. We stopped at Wholly Cannoli's booth which was outstanding, not sure what they called it, but it was the best part of a cannoli dipped in caramel, then dipped again in chocolate and finally rolled into peanuts. It was incredible so when ever you get yourself out to Worcester be sure to stop by. It also helped that the guys running the booth were cute.

Finz out of Salem and now recently Dedham offered up some chowder, which I did not partake but I did indulge in their Buffalo Calamari, which was also surprising excellent. Not only was the Calamari perfectly cooked, it was not greasy, it was crunchy and equally surprising was there decision to not use the typical buffalo wing sauce which can be quite overpowering. I don't know what it was but it provided a nice spice with very little heat. An Outstanding dish, and worth getting at the restaurant.

Palumbo's Kettle Korn was good and provided a nice little bag which was handy for consumption later on in the day. They are available for parties and festivals.

The Loft's Lobster Macaroni and Cheese sounded nice and extravagant but I am hoping the need to create close to 20k samples effected the final product cause it was disappointing. The cheese sauce was curdled and the Lobster was not even flavorful. Like I said I hope the product in the restaurant is better because this would have been Phantom Flawed.

The Suasage Guy was too crowded to get near but having already sampled his goods before I was not to disappointed. Kowloon had wings which looked divine but I was starting to be selective at this point, and the line did not justify one wing.

Beantown Cupcakes offered up an awesome Red Velvet Cupcake. The Sunset Grill's Jambalaya was good and only strengthened my desire to got there sometime. Its mammoth selection of beers intrigues me.

I skipped over Beard Papa although good I also have tried them before and really have some not so nice memories associated with them at the moment.

One of the best booth's was Carl's steaks subs. It was long but well worth it. Even though it was a small portion, I will go on record proclaiming them as the best Steak and Cheese I have ever eaten. I seriously mean that. They have a location in Waltham and I will be going there sometime. The steak was tender moist cheesy, and the bread was soft and chewy. Just plain perfect.

Wicked Whoopie was there and gave out little mini whoopies which did not disappoint. I have sent them out as gifts before.

We waited in line for a freshly grilled Hamburger from Fuddruckers, while good it lacked the creativity you get from going to the restaurant and using the topping bar.

Finally the last thing we actually sampled was at Kane's Donuts. It was there signature coffee roll. MSN called them one of the 10 best donut shops and with what I sampled I'm not going to argue. Nice fluffly roll made with cinnamon, topped with what appeared to be a cinnamon icing and finished off with Cinnamon Sugar. I could feel my teethe screaming with every bite but it was so good.

There were plenty more places that were there but we were stuffed at that point. I could not even think of standing in line for Sal's Pizza (you know home of the 3lb pizza), Black Cow, Firefly's and Trani just to name a few. We stopped into the Rocket Bar for a beer and the day was complete. So next year when you see tickets go on sale I recommend you check it out because it was Phantastic.

And no I did not see the Phantom but I did see an Andleman.

Enjoy the links and I'll talk to you later.

I'm not working this weekend

There I've said it. Now I just have to follow it. I suppose its healthy in a way. Its not every day you find out that you have a neuroses stemming from an over abundance of responsibility. Can I help it if I want to do my job right and change the world for the better. Someone has to. Anyways thats a discussion for another time.

I'm going to have some fun this weekend. I'm going out tonight which should be low key, but nice, maybe a movie or something. Tomorrow is a house warming party at Seth's which I am still not sure what to bring yet. I guess I will find something at this point. That should be a fun time. Sunday I am volunteering at the Phantom Gourmet Food Festival. :) Something that I am really looking forward to so if you are out there on Sunday say HI! I'll be wearing a Sovereign Bank shirt. I would imagine it would be red.

I'm sure there will be a few other things here and there but I doubt I will have another chance to blog so I figured I pop on and talk a little before its another week without saying anything. I was not able to go up to LSC this weekend for the Homecoming. There will be other years to do so, besides after everything thats happened this year I'm not exactly sure I want to go back up there right now. A lot of memories are up there. They are all good but some I don't need to be reliving just now. How am I doing with all of that? Well you tell me because I don't know anymore really. I am just taking things day by day now. Which is different for the planner in me. Anyways no need to break into the philosophy on a Friday night.

I hope everyone has a nice safe and happy weekend.

Sunday Already

What the hell happened to the weekend let alone the week. Last I knew it was Wednesday. Work has been work, but my life outside it has been able to keep me partially sane. Of course it didn't help that I put in a full day's work yesterday. It helps in making Monday go smoother but had it not been for some friends I would have been woefully unrested. Thursday and Friday I was in all day training courses at my work entitled "Manage to Lead" Although I was able to take away some great skills in the arts of Motivation, Feedback, Goal Setting, Delegation, and Communication it came at a decent price. No work got done those two days so hence the need to come in on Saturday.

Well I was able to visit the Natick Mall err Natick Collection (WTF) on Wednesday and I was relatively pleased with the new renovations. As I get older I am becoming less and less impressed with Malls. The last Mall I would say I like would have to have been the Providence Place Mall. Alas I never really find that I am in or around Providence anymore. At least there they still have (or at least I thought they did) an Illuminations shop, which is essentially a more high brow candle store. Anyways back to Natick. At first the Mall (damn!) At first the Collection seemed to be no different than before, that is until I got to the center of the place and looked to my left and a whole new section was born. It looked good, and I found our new Clarks store. It was nice and fully stocked. I then continued walking down towards the end and a good number of stores are not open yet. I figure that is why they didn't stop me and ask for a credit check because damn they've got some expensive stores in there. I know I can spend money occasionally but Neiman Marcus, Tiffanie's, Louis Vitton all with several others dominated the end of that section. I don't think I'll be seeing much from that part of the mall.

I didn't get to see the rest of the place since it was getting late and I needed to meet up with my friend Jeff. We were going to meet at the Joe's Bar and Grill. It took me about as long to walk out of the mall and maneuver around the parking lot to get there as it took him to actually drive from Ashland. Guess where I am not going Christmas Shopping. Dinner was good and somehow the waitress was able to coax several rounds of drinks out of us despite the fact that we never did get our soup and salad. It was a little late by the time I got home but personally I didn't much care.

Work was work, but I did manage to fill up some events on the old social calendar. I don't think I'll be going to LSC this year for homecoming. I have a house warming party to go to and I can benefit from saving some cash right now. I do believe I will be having a rather active October though. I have been talking to my best friend Mat about going up there and visiting maybe on Columbus Weekend. Then I know the weekend after that I am kind of busy as I have recently acquired some tickets to see Wicked. Which is getting really good reviews by the way. I will be going with my Mom (stop laughing, its her birthday present). Then I have also have plans the following week to head down to NYC to see Margaret Cho. I haven't seen her in a couple of years and she was quite entertaining when I did so I am looking forward to that too. I am hoping that the weekend after that my friend Moe will have put together his Spooky Ghost Tour. One can only hope, and just like that the weekends are booked up, maybe I can squeeze in some apple picking.

One more note before I go, to all those fans of MST3k (Mystery Science Theater 3000) I ask you to please point your browsers to this site . Why? well go to it and find out. Alright fine Mike Nelson and Kevin Murphy are still at it. This time they are taking on more mainstream movies, some are good some are flops. You have to experience it to appreciate it and they have free samples. I have done this and it makes some of these movies absolutely hilarious.

Alright enough for now. Talk to you later.

Rain Rain

Its Raining, I haven't seen it rain like this since the beginning of June. Which would explain why we are short on the water lately. Well lets see if it continues like this. I may not go out jogging in the rain. The last time I was in the cold and wet I got a nice cold (Worst 4th of July ever!).

Anyways I think I have finally picked a gym to join since they have made no additional effort to finish ours here at the office. I got a three day pass to BSC that I am going to use on Thursday. There are enough around me and so far from what I have seen it is much better than the meat market that is Gold's. I stepped on the scale this morning and found that I had lost a couple more pounds so I was excited. I also found a jacket from last year that was tight on me before and now slips right on with extra room. Its a nice feeling. I also found some nice military style cargo's that I had kicking around that never quite fit right, well this weekend they fit perfectly.

The other thing about the rain is we need it, not just for the towns that are short of supply but also if you want to see any semblance of nice foliage this season. Which is important to me if I want to go visit my alma mater. The Homecoming weekend is fast approaching and I think I may want to venture up North to visit. I have not heard a peep out of my Business department who had mentioned all these plans last year. Oh well. Hopefully there will be some familiar faces there. If anyone is going drop me a line maybe we can meet up.

Ever have on one of those days.

So earlier I mas marveled at the speed at which the day had progressed. I must have been on auto pilot for most of it, because the details of what I actually did are sketchy at best. I know I got hungry and was committed to getting some sort of breakfast earlier since I had not had one when I first came in. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be 11:40 AM. I had only 20 minutes until lunch. Where had the morning gone. What was even scarier is I could not immediately recall how I got to work. Who wants to remember a commute, right? Honestly for a good five minutes I tried to remember it. I remember walking to the car and then suddenly walking into the building. Weird. I must not have had any trouble with parking or had to deal with any crazy's on the way in. That's the only thing I can imagine that would make it so forgettable.

To bad we can actively choose to select something to forget. I know I would forget Uggs. I wish I could make everyone else forget them too. Seriously yesterday I saw a new pair adorned by some equally forgettable Lindsey-Brittney-Wannabe undergrad. You can tell they are new because they become even more ugly when they have been worn for 20 minutes. Come on people this trend died, granted I never liked them but stop with the madness alright. Saturday it was 95 degrees, just because it got cloudy the next day doesn't mean you have to dip into the faux winter wear. Maybe I'm biased coming from a shoe industry but at least I have not scene the love child of all fashion don'ts yet. What are they? Cruggs? They are horrid and those babies need to be thrown out with the bath water. I know people say "They are so comfortable" of course they are they are all foam and maybe if you don't get all your shoes from Payless you'd know that you can get a comfortable shoe that looks normal. I'm sorry people but shoes are a fact of life, and why are you willing to to wear nice jewelry and other non essentials and pay through the nose but you insist that you can't pay more than $19.99 for something you wear everyday and is needed for support. Fine I'll get off my soapbox now but don't even get me started on the sweat shop labor aspect, and the margins they make off of you are far better for this crap than any normal shoe you can find.

"Does anyone still wear a hat?"

Apparently the answer is yes. This morning coming back from work I was able view quite a number of women in hats. I don't quite think they are ladies who lunch, but more like ladies who go to temple. More power to them for wearing that get up today. Its quite hot and the temp is stil climbing. Change is in the air and I would bet this is the last time this year we see 90's. Still I am glad that I helped Seth move last weekend. Despite the work it was still easier than it would have been this weekend. In fact I know some people who are moving this weekend, here's hoping they have no stairs.

The heat should subside tonight so thats good, we may even see some late summer storms. We haven't had many this year I would like to have at least one more before fall sets in. Well I'm not sure what I'm doing tonight yet, but if its anything exciting you'll be sure to know.

YOU HAVE 10 SECONDS TO COMPLY

Brings back memories doesn't it. Well maybe for those of you that actually watched Robocop. So no this blog is not going to be about the height 80's cinema graphic dystopia. It is more about the disturbing news from Samsung.


Joel from BoingBoing is right. I can't even get my cell phone to understand my voice recognition, has AI come so far as to be able to understand that I am not a terrorist? Not that I would think these babies would be lining the streets but seriously these things just scream trouble.

Speaking of unnecessary violence I realized today something that pisses me off. As I was out this evening for my jog, I am getting passed by most everyone who's at the peak of their physical performance. A year ago I would have felt extremely self conscious running in front of them, now however whatever embarrassment I might feel pails in comparison to what I have already endured this year, so screw it get the hell out of my way I'm coming through. Anyways getting off the point. The thing that bugs me about most of them is how they are all damn color coordinated, and how despite the fact that they may have just run a couple of miles the actually smell good running by. ?????? WTF. I don't smell bad at that point but how does the girl who's hair is completely plastered to her body and sweat dripping from every limb still get to smell like Pantene. Then there was Mr. Irish Spring who lapped me twice. I feel as if I should get a matching track suit and bottle of Obsession before I head out running. Maybe I'm just a novice and eventually it will all make sense to me but for now as they pass me I feel like hip checking them into the water. Bet you won't smell to good then.

So I promise that will be the weirdest post for this week.

Temptation

So I can't tell you the last time I actually sat down to watch television before tonight. I needed to take a little break from the exercising. Tonight I figured I would watch a little and what do I get for my viewing pleasure? TEMPTATION which seems to be a bastardized version of a game show I really loved as a kid. THE SALE OF THE CENTURY was what it was called back in the 80's and I loved it. Now this abortion of a game show is here to try and carry on its name. Its pathetic and even disguises itself as a game show when in fact it is little more than an infomercial. No substance no challenge just lots of commercials and before the commercials you get an opportunity to call a 1-800 to get special deals on products. I am not kidding. It is that bad, the host is laughable and I am sure this show's existence will be short lived. Merv Griffin is rolling in his grave.

Well the fall season will soon be upon us so I want to give you my shows that I will be trying to make time for. Most are familiar but there are some new ones.

Heroes - After last season I could not ignore this show. It is easily one of the best on TV.
Battlestar Galactica- Its last season which really doesn't star until next year will grace us with a mini series this November.

The new program I will be watching that shows promise is Torchwood, which has already aired its first season in the UK. Basically the creators of the show wanted a spin off of the long running Dr. Who series with the feel of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "angel". So much so that James Marsters appears. No not as Spike but I hope its an equally good character. The other thing about this show is that some of the characters are described as being "sexually fluid". So there will be more than just a passing reference to Homosexuality and Bisexuality. I long for the day that this can be done well. Lets hope they can pull it off.

I also would love there to be a good sitcom. So far my hopes are on "Back to You". Yes I know it has Kelsey Grammar but so far it looks good, plus there is also Patricia Heaton as well, so my money is on this one.

Lastly for obvious reasons I will try to watch some Biggest Loser episodes.

Well that's all for now.

Since I'm The Expert

I don't know if all of my gay readers are out as much as I am at work. Trust me it comes with more hazards than you would expect at an open company. Why is that you say? Because when the slightest issue relating to the world of gaydom hits the news you become the bloody expert. I know this is a little late but I had to chime in. Senator Craig and his airport dalliances has been the topic of choice recently and with each new detail that's released I have a handful of people who need corroborate that the activity does occur. It makes me feel oh so good about myself. Yes this activity goes on its called cruising. Personally I don't participate in it, not just because I have a phobia of public bathrooms but I like to think I have a few standards. I don't condone it since it can be dangerous and its just not how I roll, if you know what I mean.

However, I can also understand the behavior especially when it comes to the two types of men that seem to exhibit this behavior. Public bathrooms, parks, and rest stops yes they are all places that this activity can happen in but before you go acting all disgusted remember one thing straight people, you do the same thing, only you have a place for it, its called a bar. Yes yes I know there are gay bars but when was the last time you saw one outside the major cities. So where do these lonely men get to go. You got it. The advent of the Internet has started to curb this behaviour somewhat by providing a place for people to meet, but it also has been able to centralize all the available info on these places, so someone can find a friendly bathroom from here to Nome, AK and beyond.

So yes these places do exist, and men do frequent them, yes there is some convoluted code/mating dance that goes on. I'll be damned if I know it or would recognize it if I saw it. Of course I am not quite the type. Senator Craig's type seem to frequent these places. As you have been able to see none of them describe themselves as being gay. By the way Senator Craig no one accused you of being gay, they just accused you of trying to solicit sex. Oh that's right you just have a wide stance and just happen to know the code/smoke signals. I laugh each time I see this ass on TV who once lambasted all these social groups who now he calls upon to help him. You see he's the worst kind of person, the self loathing kind. The one who hates himself so much he splits his life in half, on the one side are all his "good" qualities, and the other all the "bad". He hates himself and that is why he is disturbed. Maybe he should rectify between the good and the bad and it wouldn't be so self destructing for him. Oh yeah that's right because he's spent all his life setting himself up as some overzealous fucktard and it would ruin his career. I guess some people really don't get it. The secret is not how you should lead your life it is how you do and how you stay true to who you are.

That's enough for now. I am not even going to get into the irony that the guy who picks his replacement is called Butch Otter. That's just too easy, then again so was the Senator. LOL. Anyways talk to you all later.

Ragweed

Yes it is September now, and I can say since last week the Ragweed pollen has been progressively building. Fall has to be one of my favorite seasons, but I always secretly wind up wishing it would be over sooner rather than later. Why? Because my nose stuffs up and my eyes get all red and watery. This weekend ended with me needing to take come claritin. It may have been do to dust of helping a friend move but, it was more than likely do to that pesky devil to the left. Really the only thing that can kill the little Frackers is the first Hard Frost, and since that kills just about everything else Fall is over at that point. Sniffle. Anyways yes it is September and it is the month where I like to do alot of stuff outside as well. Normally with a companion but we'll see. I say every damn year I am going to get to Old Sturbridge Village again, but never seem to make it. Maybe this year will be different. Also coming up soon is Out in the Park. I am putting an open invite out there for any who may want to get together and go this year. This is another event that we all seem to want to get to but never seem to find the time.

Maybe I'm a little to big to enjoy it yet but Monday, eventhough I got a work out moving Seth this weekend I went for a 3 mile walk/jog. Admittedly it was more walking than jogging but its a start. A friend of mine (Katie) gave me link to a site that pulls up google maps and calculates the distance you go on your route so I plugged it in this morning and was surprised to see how far I went. However I plan to do it again today after work to see how fast I can do it. That is if I can get out of work at a decent hour, and not need to work from home like I normally do. Alright I will write more later but that is all I can fit into on one lunch break.

A Little of this and That

As you all know my new apartment is located not even a stones throw away from BC campus. Many people think this would bother me I am not sure why. There is really only one complaint I could wage. These students are suppose to be some of the best and brightest around but they can't drive a car for shit, and they all have cars. So it had become necessary to stop procrastinating and get myself a resident sticker. This weekend is the first BC game and any car caught without a resident sticker will be towed, no ticketing just towing, to teach everyone a lesson. I'm not quite certain of my plans for this weekend but I don't need my car towed.

So this afternoon I took sometime from work to complete my quest for a Allston/Brighton parking sticker. Which pretty much made me go into downtown Boston, and to the hideously designed City Hall. Some people love it and consider it iconic. I am definitely not one of them. Plus I have heard alot of people who work there don't like the layout. I can attest that it is a bit confusing. I felt like I was in some 70's version of what the building of the future would look like. Anyways the line was long but moved quicker than expected. I was out and had planed to take a walk around the city and enjoy the nice day while listening to my ipod. Which I did and decided I really need to invest money into a new battery for my camera as I missed alot of good photo opportunities. Then it turned into more of guilty pleasure day. I am not sure why. I just felt the need to treat myself, maybe since I have been more emotional than a menopausal bi-polar woman. So what does that mean? It means I ate like a pregnant woman.

Most of you don't know but for the past few years there is this particular combination of food that I utterly crave. Pizza and Sushi. Yes go ewwwww if you want but for me its all yummy. Anyways I happened to be by a Whole Foods (click for a funny letter to WF) which is my favorite grocery store to pick up Sushi in. After my meal I fell victim to the siren song, or should I say intoxicating aroma spewing forth from the Coldstone Creamery next store. I promised myself I would extend my walk afterwards and indulged in my new favorite combination. Cakebatter, Heath bar and Caramel. Yes I kept it small, I may be off the diet right now but there is no need to go completely nuts. So I kept true to my word and walked around a bit before taking off for home. I must say I think I should start a new segment entitled "what I saw on the T" it would make for some interesting reading if I didn't get sued.

What is there to say?

Ever have so much on your mind that you don't know what to say? Thats been me over the past week. It would also account for the lack of posts. Work has been busier than I like it to be. It comes with the title now I guess. I would feel worse if it was not for the fact that I see it in others that I work with as well. All will be well soon, its just the getting there that is going to be difficult.

Thats pretty much been the story of my life this year. Its all about the journey to get there. Where is there? I don't know yet. I am still trying to figure it out and I probably won't figure it out until I get a better grasp on who I am. I've been going through some old papers and writings from a year ago. So much has changed, its beyond the point of being good or bad. It just is. I remember thinking back all that time ago that something needed to happen. I couldn't put my finger on it but I knew a change was coming. Now that life is gone. For as much as I wanted things to change; I have to admit there was a certain amount of comfort in it all. I'm not talking necessarily about relationships, but for everything. I almost don't recognize myself sometimes and I would be remiss to say that it does not bother me.

I have worked on building myself back up. Something that I thought could never be done. I was not just hurt I was damaged. I know that now. It is with that revelation that I am moving forward. For me trust was a very important factor, now even more so. My problem is now trusting in who I have become. I think there is only one way to do that though. There are still elements of my old life that I cherish and value, its time to start mixing in what is with what was, and hope that it will lead to what will be.

I am thinking of taking some time off in November. My parents are going on a cruise and someone will need to take care of the cat. I am thinking of volunteering. It would be a good time to take a break and maybe unwind a little.

I will leave you with the one thought thats been going through my mind lately. What is Love?

Highway to the Danger Zone!

Well my excursion to Mohegan Sun was succesful I did not lose anything and managed to turn a tidey profit. So far I can happily say I have taken more money out of there than I have ever put in. Granted I did not take as much away as I could have but I wanted to play for awhile and then took the folks out to dinner. Money well invested as far as I am concerned. My two majors scores of the day came from penny machines again. The Wheel of Fortune machine that you sit in made me a quick $350. Once the machine became less generous we decided to move on. Mom did not fare to badly; and would have probably pulled away with some extra cash had the machine not changed from the $.01 she thought she was playing to the $.25 she actually was playing.

Later though I played what has got to be my favorite slot machine to date. This summer the Top Gun slots were introduced to Mohegan. They do have penny machines and it was a blast. It comes with its own seat that has a built in Bose speaker system that blasts the aforementioned song out at you as you play and enter the bonus round. The game is just to cool to describe you have to play it. I knew I was doing well when a small audience of men was gathered behind me watching as I played. The machine is geared toward men which I found nice since I really did not feel the need to play the "That Girl" slot. I just wish the zombified granny would stop spending her soical security on the Star Wars game that is obviously lost on her. Anyways also curious about the Top Gun game is its apparent lack of a character.

I don't know if its because of his freakish personality or the even freakyier religion, but Mr. Tom Cruise was not able to lend his face or voice to the game. Instead we have Ice-Man and Goose and Charlie. It makes it feel somewhat lacking when you look at it but oh well. I don't trust any religion based on a dare so I don't know enough about Scientology to blame them. Despite the lack of title character the game was entertaining and fun. I would go back again just to play that one. Which is bad because it also means I would sink money into it. Oh well so far I have handled myself well and I don't know when I will be back.

Appart from all of that I feel as if as far as my life is concerned I am adrift in a stormy sea. I am pretty sure I need to take time off from work for a vacation, its been awhile, and my last trip was not so relaxing. The thing is I don't vacation well alone, so I am not sure where I would go or what I would do. Plus work is a big factor with a lot of critical things coming up for this fall. All of which I have some part in and should be there for. I never pegged myself for being a workaholic but here I am. Lets just hope I don't burn out before I make the plans.

This weekend things are up in the air at the moment, so we will see what happens. I think I have a few different things that are going on and they are all equally as important.

Talk to you soon.

A wise man should have money in his head, but not in his heart.

Quote from Jonathan Swift.

Well I had an interesting thing happened to me yesterday. I stopped into a CVS with my friend Melanie. While leaving I noticed a Sovereign Bank ATM. I figured that would be a good thing to remember since that is my bank and the other ATM's charge me a nice little fee to use them. As we were walking by though I noticed that there was money dispensed just sitting there in the tray. I went up and saw that there was a perfectly crisp $20 bill sitting there. My initial reaction was SCORE, but as quickly as it hit me it left. This was not my money and I had no right to walk off with it. I had visions of it belonging to an old woman who is on a fixed income coming back to collect once she realized her error, but it was just as likely that it could have belonged to some jerky teenager. The point that my mind set on was that it was not mine, so despite the fact that the line for the cashiers was long and I could have easily walked out the door free of repercussions I could not do it. So I what seemed like 10 minutes to give the money to someone. A guy in line who has being particularly difficult the cashier started paying attention to me, while I finally got the attention of another cashier. I told her what I found and where and she looked at me with this blank stare "as if to say what do you want me to do about it?" I said maybe you should give it to your manager and if anyone comes around looking for a $20 they misplaced you know who it belongs too. Sometimes I wonder about the next generation doesn't seem like the synapses are firing all the time. I gave her the money and walked away. For all I know she could have treated herself to a nice lunch who knows the point is it was not mine and I did the best I could. If I had taken it I would have felt guilty and it would have just been bad Karma, so for me it was a no brainer.

While Melanie and I were leaving the gentleman who has giving the cashier a hard time behind the counter came out of the store an called to me. Not sure of who was speaking to me and what they wanted I turned and saw him walking to his car. He said "I can't believe you waited in line for all that. I would have just taken the damn thing. Someone should write a story about you." Well I thought about it and decided to write it hear. Yes it does seem a bit self serving, but I am hoping that it will provide the catalyst for someone else to do a good gesture, regardless of the fact that I don't know if the $20 got back to its owner. The point is I made the effort and if more effort was made on a conscious level to do small gestures like that, then this world may be a better place. Who knows maybe the jerk at the counter won't be so rude next time. I can only hope.

Also need to mention that last night I went to a restaurant in Maynard called Monsoon. Finally after years of searching I can say that this place had the best recipe I have ever had for butter chicken. To those of you not familiar its an Indian Dish that I absolutely fell in love with over in England a few years back. I had yet to find a place stateside that would do it justice until last night. While everything was good, the chicken stole the show for me.

Anyways this weekend brings some adventures, I will be making a short film and visiting the Museum of Fine Arts to see the Edward Hopper exhibit. This is its last weekend so if anyone wanted to see it you better get a move on. I heard its next stop is MOMA and unless you want to truck all the way out to Western Ma you better get a move on.

Take care for now.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Well, I hope everyone is not disappointed with todays post. I have had a few friends comment on my lack of updates during the past week, and today I had two comments from complete strangers. So its time to give the public what they want.

Trust me a lot has happened in a week, its hard to say where to begin. Well lets start with the reviews.

First Cafe Jaffa is a lovely Middle Eastern Restaurant on Gloucester St. Where's that? Well its just off of Newbury Street. An excellent place for a first date in my opinion. It has great food at prices so reasonable you will be able to pick something up on Newbury St as you walk back up it to the park. The atmosphere is quite and quaint in a small location reminiscent of a pizza place. I can say from the experience that the Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) are a great appetizer served with a tahini sauce that I quite enjoyed. One of the best judges I have of a place like this is how good the rice pilaf is and it was excellent. You will find normal dishes that you would find at other middle eastern/greek restaurants but it all seems good and fresh. Since I was there on a Thursday there did not seem to be a crowd and the staff was happy to let us sit and talk awhile. Anyways if your on Newbury and want a nice place that won't smack you with pretense Cafe Jaffa is it.

Second Green Briar Pub, seems to be a nice spot in Brighton with a few creative dishes. The place is a little loud it is a pub after all but the food is good. There also seems to be quite a large college crowd, but given the location that is to be expected. I had a great salad finished up by a dessert that could have made up my caloric count for the day. Luckily I shared it. Chocolate Peanut butter Montechristo. All I can say is its chocolaty, and peanut buttery, and served between to pieces of French toast. It was great, and an indulgence I'll only do once.

Parish Cafe in Boston. 361 Boylston St to be specific. Its open late and I have been wanting to go for awhile. It turns out its a great place to go after a movie. I will talk about the movie later. The Restaurant is a great little place off the common and the defining factor here is its menu. The drink menu looked good but it was late and I did not feel like being to adventuresome so a rum and coke was the order of the evening. Anyways the menu here is what makes the difference. You see the sandwiches and the entrees are designed by the top chefs in Boston. For example you can tast sandwiches designed by Ming Tsai, Michael Shlow, Susan Regis, and Lydia Shire to name a few. The menu constantly changes but some favorites remain consistent. Even if you don't know those people and haven't dropped a few bills in their restaurants you can at least take comfort in knowing its damn good food and there sandwiches are no less excellent. I for one had the Summer Shack. It was a great fish sandwich designed by the one and only Jasper White. While desserts looked excellent we passed considering the time and the fact that we had a great hummus plate for an appetizer.

Before hand though I was able to watch one of the smaller movies thats come out this summer. Sunshine was its name. A small Sci-fi drama that told the story of a crew set out on a mission to restore our Sun to full strength since some cosmic accident had caused it to dim and caused a perpetual winter on Earth. Who's movie was this? None other than Dany Boyle whose previous movies include Trainspotting and 28 Days Later. Several elements of both films work there way into this movie. One of the things that this movie did was prove to me that Chris Evans can in fact act. Fantastic Four may have been a fantastic fan boy movie but it does nothing for the resume. Anyways good solid sci-fi story that would be a good alternative the normally serialized movies that come out in this genre. If you can't see it in the theater it would be a good rental.

Ok reviews aside. I know people are wondering about my life as well. Well I didn't go to any of these places alone, so it would be safe to say my relationship is Blooming (LOL) (Oh I'm pathetic). This weekend I had a great opportunity to meet some really cool people. I was a little nervous at first meeting them but after a little while it became obvious that I was starting to fit in. Personally I'd like to see them all again soon. They made me feel welcome and I look forward to the next time we get together. Eventually we'll see my friends and I think things should go as well. Saturday was a good time. We were out in Dudley which is closer to my old stomping grounds it was a nice day to be outside. There was great food, and better company. We even had a rather large fire. It cooled off quickly enough and fortunately the clouds were kept away because Saturday was the start of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Now you would have definitely been able to see more on Sunday at its peak but alas I was in the city then and there were clouds. Still though we could some. A lot were small bursts of light but there were a few larger meteors that hit at the right angle to glow and leave trails. I wish it was something I could have taken pictures of.

I'm sure there were will be ample opportunities to talk more about them in the future. Right now though I have more pressing news. In an incredible turn of events yours truly may end up on a TV screen near you. How is that possible you say without taking over the airwaves and cable companies. Well you get yourself on the television movement that has revolutionized TV in the past decade. Yes sir you get selected to be on a reality TV show. LOL which one ?! Well if you had to guess I wouldn't pick the Real World. Do in very large part to my friend Jessica we stand a very good chance of being selected to be on the next season of THE BIGGEST LOSER. I say very good because she's gotten the call backs now we just have to make a little movie about us and then we'll hear back in September sometime. I don't want to jinx anything so I won't say anymore, but this would be a great opportunity. Its not often you get a chance to be on TV; how can I walk away from that?

Well I think I have typed enough for one night. I hope that is given you all enough to think about for awhile. I'll talk to you all later and promise I won't skimp on the blogs again.

Good Night!